The easiest home loans to get are often government-backed options like VA loans, USDA loans, and FHA loans, due to lower credit score and down payment requirements, with VA/USDA offering zero down payment for eligible borrowers (military/rural) and FHA accepting scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). For first-time buyers with low down payments but better credit, Conventional 97 or HomeReady/Home Possible loans with just 3% down are also accessible.
Because they're guaranteed by federal agencies, FHA, USDA and VA loans are typically the easiest to get approved for. While they have more flexible down payment and credit score requirements, VA loans are only available to former or current service members.
Yes, $15,000 can be enough for a down payment, especially with government-backed FHA loans (requiring 3.5%) or certain conventional loans (as low as 3%), potentially allowing you to buy a home up to around $400,000-$420,000, but it's often risky without savings for closing costs and an emergency fund, and you'll likely pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). A larger down payment (20%) avoids PMI and lowers payments, but options exist for lower amounts, requiring good credit and stable income.
Understanding Mortgage Affordability in Canada
For insured mortgages in Canada, CMHC recommends a maximum GDS ratio of 39%. For a $90,000 salary (which breaks down to $7,500 per month), this means your housing costs shouldn't exceed $2,925 per month.
The 3-7-3 Rule in mortgages isn't a loan type but a federal timeline from the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, ensuring borrower protection by mandating disclosures within 3 business days of application, a 7-business-day wait between the initial Loan Estimate and closing, and another 3-day wait if significant changes (like APR) occur, giving borrowers time to review costs before committing to a loan.
The 30% rule is a common guideline that advises not to spend more than 30% of your gross monthly income on housing costs, which encompass your mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. This rule can be a useful tool in assessing whether you can afford to purchase a home with a $60k salary.
Lenders traditionally offer an amount between four and five times your income, though in some cases they may offer more or less than this. If you are borrowing with a partner there are a few ways a lender might combine your incomes.
There are some cases where you can buy a home with no money down. Two types of zero-down mortgages are government-backed loans, such as a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan and a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan.
Personal loan terms are often much lower than mortgage terms, with common periods for repayment being between 1-7 years. Whilst the rates will likely be much higher than mortgage rates, the interest payments are due for a shorter period.
30% Spending 30% of your income on rent is a rule of thumb. It allows you to afford comfortable housing, still have enough money left for other living expenses, and contribute toward your savings goals. 30% will get you a comfortable, decent apartment on a regular, medium income.
If you make $3,000 a month ($36,000 a year), your DTI with an FHA loan should be no more than $1,290 ($3,000 x 0.43) — which means you can afford a house with a monthly payment that is no more than $900 ($3,000 x 0.31). FHA loans typically allow for a lower down payment and credit score if certain requirements are met.
Your credit score has a direct impact on your mortgage application, affecting your interest rate, loan approval, and overall borrowing costs. Even a slight improvement in your score can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
Increasing your monthly payments, making bi-weekly payments, and making extra principal payments can help accelerate mortgage payoff. Cutting expenses, increasing income, and using windfalls to make lump sum payments can help pay off the mortgage faster.
Those who like to move around or travel a lot might find renting a better option, while those wanting to create roots in a single location will find buying a better choice. Think about investing in a property. Buying a home can help you gain value and build equity by making home improvements.
From 2022 to 2023, the inflation-adjusted average income declined among the top 1% of Canadians with the highest incomes. Average income of this population edged down 0.6% to $606,000 in 2023, while that of filers in the top 0.1% group declined 1.0% to $2,131,900.
Ignoring Their Budget
One of the most common mistakes first-time home buyers make is underestimating the costs involved. It's crucial to establish a budget and stick to it. Include not just the mortgage, but also property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and unexpected expenses. A common rule of thumb is the 28% rule.